5 reasons why Hideki Matsuyama will win a major championship in 2017

Modified Mar 17, 2017 13:04 GMT

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 16: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays his shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By MasterCard on March 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

His swing is technically sound

EXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 03: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays a shot on the eighth hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships Mexico Championship at Club De Golf Chapultepec on March 3, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Justin Heiman/Getty Images)

The pause at the top of his swing is something that Matsuyama truly owns and hits the ball in a manner that is unique and is comfortable for him.

The breakdown of the swing in two parts helps him not let the club go too far back while it also keeps his rhythm in check. It leads to a very repeatable swing which he consistently produces to great effect.

Like we pointed out above, when he is under the gun, his swing is his biggest ally. So you might ask does he have the firepower to compete with the elite given the pause in his swing? The answer is YES. In 2017, his average driving distance is 305 yards, which is the 18th best on the PGA Tour.

Edited by Staff Editor